This report looks into employment discrimination faced by transgender people while seeking employment in four countries in South-East Asia– Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The findings from this study provide direct evidence of discrimination against trans people in job hiring practices in the region.
Foreword
Transgender people in Asia and the Pacific and worldwide have a strong sense of pride in their identity. Unfortunately, they also share common negative experiences of discrimination. These experiences include invisibility and isolation, and exclusion from families, schools, the formal workforce and the mainstream economy, and recognition as equal citizens. The lived experiences of trans people are reflected in many previous reports.
Discrimination and lack of equal employment opportunities are common experiences of trans people. For some, problems arise while they are already employed, especially when they are trying to engage in a social transition in the workplace. For many however, problems arise at the job hiring stage. Identification documents and educational certificates often ‘out’ trans people, even when their physical appearance does not. With employers either prejudiced or anxious about the possible reactions of coworkers and customers, trans people don’t get hired. In order to avoid unemployment, many trans people find themselves forced to enter casual and low-paid occupations that are not commensurate with their abilities. These jobs can sometimes be exploitative, underpaid and provide no security or long-term livelihood. For many, especially trans women, sex work becomes a way of putting food on the table.
Employment discrimination in trans communities is a human rights and public health issue. Yet, few jurisdictions in the region have effective anti-discrimination legislation to provide protection against discriminatory hiring practices. As with all of APTN’s work, this study was done in consultation with trans community members, with trans people leading the process at every step. This is what makes the work unique and impactful. The methodology of the project was strategically developed to be inclusive - empowering trans individuals by training them as country leads in the project.
This report, “Denied Work: An audit of employment discrimination on the basis of gender identity in South-East Asia” is the first research project on such a scale examining discrimination against trans people seeking employment in the region. As evidenced by the report, trans people experience significant barriers to even obtain interviews for jobs compared to similarly qualified cisgender applicants. This study is indicative of discrimination faced by trans people at the initial stages of job application. There needs to be continued research and dialogue on employment discrimination of trans people.
A heartfelt thanks to our country research assistants, Peeranee Suparak (Ami), Thailand, Chu Thanh Ha, Vietnam, Dorian Wilde, Malaysia and Singapore who have been pivotal in gathering the data for each of the countries. We also extend our gratitude to Edmund Settle, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sam Winter and Catriona Davis-McCabe, Curtin University for their financial and technical support in this project and to the community members and organisations that have provided insights and guidance in the development of the study.
Lastly, the strength and heart of this study lies in the diverse partnerships involved. We look forward to this report being utilised to break fundamental barriers, foster collaborations and spark greater dialogue surrounding workplace discrimination and policy changes to advance social protections and the livelihood of trans people.
Joe Wong, Executive Director, Asia Pacific Transgender Network